« Return

Boiled Egg

Boiled Egg

Prep Time: 1 Minute

Cook Time: 5 Minutes

Ready In: 6 mins

ingredients
1 or more medium-sized - eggs

directions
  1. There are two or three acceptable methods of boiling an egg. The following is the most reliable way...
  2. Put about 2" - 3" (5cm - 7½cm) of water in a pan. Bring the water towards the boil. Once the water just begins to bubble, gently lower your egg(s) into the water on a spoon. Bring the water up to boiling point and continue to boil, cooking for exactly five minutes from the moment you placed your eggs in the water. Remove the eggs from the pan and devour immediately (or gently crack one end to prevent further cooking inside the shell).
  3. This method will provide you with an egg that has a soft yolk and a firm white. If you prefer your eggs softer or harder, you can decrease or increase the cooking time to suit your personal tastes. Always be sure that there is sufficient water in the pan to cover the eggs while they are cooking.
  4. An alternative method is to place your eggs in a pan and cover with cold water by about ½" (1cm). Place over a high heat and as soon as the water is boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 4 minutes. Naturally, you should serve with fingers of buttered toast!
  5. VARIATIONS: To turn a soft-boiled egg into a hard-boiled egg (for sandwiches or salads), cook for 2-3 minutes longer (seven or eight minutes instead of five). Once cooked, remove the shell. This is best done by immersing the egg in cold water to quickly cool it, then roll it gently in the palms of your hands to crack the shell. This can then be carefully peeled away (and the job is made easier if you keep the egg or your hands wet).
  6. Hard-boiled eggs can be stored (with the shells still on) in a refrigerator for 4 or 5 days (but do not try to freeze them). If, for any reason, your boiled eggs get mixed up with your fresh eggs, you can tell the difference using the 'Graham Spin Test'! Place the egg on a flat surface and spin it. If is spins and slows down evenly, it is hard-boiled. If it spins and slows down erratically, it has not been cooked.